Day 3. A Day at Lake Como

Following an early breakfast, we boarded a train to Varenna. Unlike the Milan service, this train was very old and not particularly comfortable but it arrived in Lecco one hour later, on time, and it was only necessary to cross the platform for the connecting service to Varenna. This train was crowded with school children and they found it highly amusing as we were plunged into darkness passing through several tunnels, as the guard and driver must have forgotten to turn on the lights.

Varenna, Lake Como

It was only a short walk from Varenna’s tiny station to the lake shore. Here we bought tickets for the Lake Steamer to Bellagio. It was only a 20 minute wait for the next ferry and we enjoyed picture perfect views over Lake Como from the boat. There was some low lying mist adding to the beauty.

Several years ago we had spent one week at the Hotel Excelsior Splendide on Bellagio’s waterfront so I was intrigued to venture inside to see what, if anything, had changed. It all looked the same as far as I could recall. We spent the next two hours exploring this delightful small lakeside town, wandering up and down the steep streets with their uneven flights of steps and walking along the promenade as far as the path would take us.

Lecco

We returned to Varenna on the lake steamer and spent an hour here strolling through the lakeside village, enjoying ice cream cones along the way. We returned to the small station for the train to Lecco. Along this route the train line follows the lake shore providing good views all along the route.

Bellagio

It’s a 15 minute walk from Lecco’s station to its lakeside but it’s certainly worth the walk. Lecco lies at one end of Lake Como and its a very pretty little town. We had afternoon tea in a cafe overlooking the lake before taking the train back to Bergamo in the late afternoon.

Varenna, Lake Como

This evening we wandered through the Continental Market which was very crowded then had a meal nearby in the new town.

You are very welcome. Indeed, your blog is great and I also admire your courage and organizational skills. It is certainly not easy to travel independently to new far-away places and often just to use public transportation. I look forward to reading more of your articles. Keep up with great work. 🙂